The Punjab government has decided to discontinue the free travel facility on public transport services, including Metro Bus, Orange Line Train, Speedo, Electric, and Green Bus services across the province.
According to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA), commuters using the mass transit system will be required to pay regular fares starting June 13, while free travel will remain available until the end of today (June 12).
The free travel initiative was introduced in April 2026 as part of a public relief package aimed at reducing the financial burden caused by inflation and rising fuel prices. Initially announced for one month, the facility was later extended while authorities reviewed recommendations for its continuation.
Officials noted that despite expectations, petroleum prices did not witness a significant reduction, and the government has now decided to withdraw the subsidy.
Statistics show that nearly 800,000 passengers were benefiting from the free travel scheme every day. The Orange Line Train alone carried around 290,000 passengers daily under the facility, while more than 100,000 commuters used the Metro Bus service free of charge.
With the withdrawal of the subsidy, passengers across Punjab’s mass transit network will once again have to pay the prescribed fares for their journeys.
